Effects of Ethanol Intoxication and Hangover on Plasma Levels of Thromboxane B₂ and 6-Keto-Prostaglandin F_1α and on Thromboxane B₂ Formation by Platelets in Man

Summary

We detected a significant decrease in plasma thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1α (6-keto-PGF_1α) levels together with a significant increase in plasma 6-keto-PGF_1α/TXB₂ ratio in young healthy non-alcoholic male volunteers after acute ingestion of ethanol (1.5 g/kg). Paradoxically, during ethanol intoxication and the following hangover a significant increase in ADP-induced formation of TXB₂ by platelet rich plasma could be observed, which suggests that ethanol intoxication via some unknown mechanism sensitizes platelets to produce TXB₂. Whether these observations contribute to the increased risks of subarachnoid haemorrhage or ischaemic brain infarction among occasional heavy drinkers recently described by us remains to be proved.

Keywords

Platelets - Ethanol - Thromboxanes - Prostaglandins - Prostacyclin

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